Peter Bradshaw in the Guardian gave it three stars out of five and praised “the architectural detail of JK Rowling’s creativity”, calling it “as awe-inspiring as ever”.

“It is just as spectacular as the wonderful opening film, with lovingly realised creatures, witty inventions and sprightly vignettes.”

But he said that he “couldn’t help feeling that the narrative pace was a little hampered, and that we are getting bogged down, just a bit, in a lot of new detail.”

He singled out Jude Law’s performance as young Dumbledore saying he “shines in a saggy sequel”.

Olly Richards in Time Out awarded three out of five stars. He says the film “has bags of intermittent charm and a warm familiarity. But too often, it feels like a beast that’s been overburdened”.

Andrew Barker in Variety added that “real magic is in short supply in this cluttered expansion of the Harry Potter franchise”.

“The film throws plenty of plot twists, loud noises, and multihued magical nebulae at us, but rarely is there much tension, or sense of adventure, or any real longing, just the feeling of watching one chess piece after another being moved into position.”

Image copyrightGetty Images

Image caption
JK Rowling and the cast were in Paris for the world premiere of the film on Thursday

Empire Magazine‘s Ian Freer agreed, saying “you can’t help feel The Crimes Of Grindelwald is still treading water until future chapters”.

He gave the film three stars and hoped for more from the Dumbledore and Grindelwald relationship.

“The vaunted appearance of young Dumbledore, Jude Law bringing tweed and a twinkle to a more mischievous take on the professor.

“The question of Dumbledore’s sexuality is coyly suggested rather than heartily expressed – if it’s passed you by Dumbledore is gay, you still might be none the wiser.”

Robbie Collin in the Daily Telegraph gave just two stars out of five, saying “the biggest riddle in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is working out what on earth the film is actually about.”

But Chris Hunneysett from the Daily Mirror awarded the film five stars.

“I’m far from a hardcore Potter fan and yet I was spellbound throughout,” he said.

“JK Rowling’s extraordinary imagination bursts from the screen in a dazzling swirl of magical action and strong emotional moments powered by a wonderful cast working from her terrific script.”